🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and oil filter on your Equinox keeps the engine protected and helps it run clean. This job is straightforward if you can safely lift the vehicle and drain the oil without spills.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine off and cool enough to touch. Hot oil and exhaust parts can burn you.
• Use jack stands on a solid, level surface. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Oil will be hot if the engine was recently running. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly. Do not pour oil on the ground or into drains.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic, dexos1-approved) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug seal/washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes only if the oil is cold. Do not fully heat it.
• Shut the engine off and let it sit a few minutes so the oil drains back.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of your Equinox at the proper lift point.
• Place the jack stands under the vehicle and lower it onto them.
• Shake the vehicle gently to confirm it is stable.

Step 2: Remove the oil fill cap

• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap by hand.
• This helps the oil drain faster.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new oil drain plug seal/washer if equipped.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old filter.
• Expect a small amount of oil to spill when the filter comes off.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a shop towel.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin on the new oil filter by hand until the gasket touches.
• Tighten it an additional 3/4 turn by hand. Do not overtighten.

Step 6: Refill with engine oil

• Lower the vehicle enough to access the engine bay safely if needed.
• Use the funnel and add about 4.5 quarts first.
• Add the rest slowly until the dipstick shows near the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 5 quarts with filter.

Step 7: Check for leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Check under the vehicle for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes.
• Check the oil level again and top off if needed.

Step 8: Reset the oil life monitor

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the steering wheel buttons to go to the oil life screen on the driver information display.
• Press and hold the reset button or select Reset until oil life returns to 100%.
• Save the manual reset steps in your glove box.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the oil level after a short test drive.
• Look again for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
• Confirm the oil life monitor shows 100%.
• Record the mileage and date for your next oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $85-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$80 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.